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Return to High Intensity Conflict:
Return to Basics

by MAJ Ken Deal, GRIZZLY 12

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Returning to high intensity operations from a peace support deployment creates many challenges for the returning unit. They range in scope from major command and control issues to SOP development and refinement. None, however, are as big as the loss of basic tactical skills at the platoon level.

The platoon is the tactical building block for every unit. Every maneuver platoon should have the ability to execute simple tasks such as movement formations, traveling techniques, actions on contact, occupying an assembly area, and occupying a battle position.

A baseline assumption is that each platoon has a basic knowledge and acceptable level of competence in these tasks (and others) to work as part of a company team. But, these skill are perishable. After a lengthy peace support deployment, the platoon's basic tactical skills will be understandably rusty. The challenge is how to bring the platoon back to the level where it can execute simple tasks with little supervision or guidance in a short amount of time.

Many units conduct a Grafenwoehr gunnery density prior to arriving at the CMTC. If a unit conducts gunnery training through Table XII, the platoon is forced to execute basic platoon-level operations. But as always with gunnery events, the focus is on live firing. Gunnery scores are tangible and, therefore, become the main event. The tactical events are executed, but there is very little effort (if any) to ensure the platoon meets the standard or retrains tactical shortcomings.

CMTC builds "E" days into the rotational schedule. E days are traditionally scheduled as STX lanes for the company. They usually culminate with a task force-mounted rehearsal. There is neither time nor space for the company commander to conduct platoon-level STX/battle drill training. Because the platoons are generally not trained to standard, the main focus of the company-level STX after-action review becomes individual platoon actions.

Technique: To correct this problem, execute platoon training during E days.

1. Prior to deployment, the unit must determine what critical tasks to teach during the platoon-level E days and identify an expert to focus on a "Leader Teach" of these tasks.

2. Once on the ground, run each platoon through a series of STX lanes designed to force the platoon to conduct basic platoon maneuvers.

3. Make the lane short enough so each platoon can execute the lane several times during the training period. (Each training period should be either 0700-1200 or 1300-1800.) After two days, each platoon will have conducted four separate lanes.

4. Each line company should have responsibility for a given lane. With adequate space, the company can establish the lane to accommodate three platoons. The platoons in the company stay together, and the commander is the senior trainer. Each company rotates from site to site after the training period is over.

5. The company XO stays at the original lane as the "LO" for the next training unit.

Because time is short, the lanes must be fully developed and rehearsed. If the preparation is done to a high standard, the training unit can roll on and off quickly, spending time training, not preparing to train.

The overall training objective is not to have highly skilled, fully trained platoons prior to the rotation, but rather to enter the "box" with confident, competent platoons that have a baseline of knowledge and experience. Develop these platoons by using a portion of the E days to train platoons and platoon leaders on the basics, making the transition back to HIC smooth and seamless.

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Base Camp C2 and the Firing Battery
Putting the Tactical Back in the TOC

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